NEW ALLOTMENT STANDARD 

The new maximum Total Maintenance Standard is $2319.00. Use the new amount whenever determination an allotment for the community spouse effective for January 2004 and later. Determine allotments for December 2003 using the old amount of $2267.00. 

The minimum Maintenance Standard remains $1515.00. 

NEW SPOUSAL SHARE STANDARDS 

The new minimum spousal share is $18,552.00. The new maximum spousal share is $92,760.00. Both amounts become effective for any assessment done on or after January 1, 2004. 

WHEN TO RE-EVALUATE SPOUSAL SHARES 

1. Re-evaluate spousal shares at application for MA-Vendor if an assessment has previously been done and EITHER of the following conditions are true:

• One-half of the couple's combined non-exempt assets at the time of assessment was less than $18,552.00.
OR
• One-half of the couple's combined non-exempt assets at the time of assessment was greater than the maximum spousal share in effect at the time.

 
EXAMPLE #1: (one-half the assets at the time of assessment were greater than the new maximum spousal share): Jane and Colby Stilton requested an assessment of assets in November, 1992. The couple's combined non-exempt assets were $180,000.00. One-half that amount is $90,000.00. The maximum spousal share in effect at that time was $68,700.00. Mr. Stilton applies for vendor benefits February 1, 2003. Use $92,760.00 maximum spousal share. Do not change ISMT; note the new maximum on the IM-2. 

EXAMPLE #2: (one-half the assets at the time of assessment were less than the new minimum spousal share): Gustav and Hilda Jarlsberg requested an assessment of assets in December, 1993. The couple's combined non-exempt assets were $22,400.00. Since one-half is $11,200.00, the minimum spousal share in effect at the time of $14,148.00 was used. Mrs. Jarlsberg applies for vendor benefits January 3, 2003. Use $18,552.00 minimum spousal share. Do not change ISMT; note the new minimum on the IM-2. 

EXAMPLE #3: (one-half the assets at the time of assessment were less than the new maximum spousal share current at the time of assessment): Lida and Edam Krantz requested an assessment of assets in December, 1994. The couple's combined non-exempt assets were $147,500.00. Since one-half that amount ($73,750.00) was greater than the maximum spousal share of $72,660.00 in effect at the time, the maximum was used. Lida Krantz applies for vendor benefits on January 18, 2003. Use $73,750.00 as the spousal share, since that is now less than the maximum of $92,760.00. Do not change ISMT; note the amount considered as the spousal share on the IM-2.
 

2. Re-evaluate the spousal share on an active MA-Vendor case if the spousal share was less than $18,552.00 and the institutionalized spouse obtains additional resources on or after January 1, 2004. Apply the policy stated in Chapter XI, Section V, pages 25 and 26; allow the institutionalized spouse an additional 90 days protected period to transfer the additional assets to the community spouse. 

• Review this memorandum with appropriate staff. 

• For allotments calculated for January 2004 and later, use $2319.00 as the maximum Total Maintenance Standard. 

• For assessments calculated for January 2004 and later, use $18,552.00 as the minimum spousal share and $92,760.00 as the maximum spousal share. 

• Re-evaluate spousal share amounts as required.